Trends in elective hand surgery referrals from primary care

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Public Health Trends
• Epidemiology of Hand Disorders

Background:

• Two prospective audits analyzed elective hand surgery referrals from primary care.
• Data were collected between 1989-1990 and 2000-2001 to identify trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify trends in elective hand surgery referrals from primary care over a decade.
• To assess changes in referral diagnoses and their prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Prospective audits of hand unit activity.
• Inclusion of all in-district elective referrals for hand disorders.
• Analysis of cross-boundary flow to assess changes in referrals by diagnosis.

Main Results:

• A 36% increase in health authority referrals for elective hand surgery (289 to 392 per 100,000 population/year).
• A 34% rise in elective hand surgery operations (149 to 199 per 100,000 population/year).
• Carpal tunnel syndrome referrals nearly doubled; osteoarthritis referrals nearly trebled, becoming the fourth most common condition.

Conclusions:

• Elective hand surgery referrals saw a substantial 36% increase over ten years.
• The rising prevalence of common hand conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis indicates a potential for continued increase in referrals.